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Radiological, Forensic, and Anthropological Studies of a Concrete Block Containing Bones *
Author(s) -
Dedouit Fabrice,
Gainza David,
Franchitto Nicolas,
Joffre Francis,
Rousseau Hervé,
Rougé Daniel,
Telmon Norbert
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01742.x
Subject(s) - osteology , forensic anthropology , radiological weapon , human bone , multislice computed tomography , medicine , computed tomography , anatomy , radiology , archaeology , biology , geography , biochemistry , in vitro
Multidisciplinary forensic, anthropological, and radiological studies of bone fragments encased in a concrete block were carried out to determine whether or not the bones were human. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) investigation was performed before the bones were removed from the concrete. MSCT study pinpointed the location of the bone fragments within the concrete block, which was helpful for their extraction and recovery, and identified most of their types and nature. Osteological study on dry bones provided more accurate identification of the bones and of their side. According to both methods, the human skeletal remains were compatible with those of a child, aged 8–13 years old, with a minimum height of 128 cm. Neither investigation identified sex or racial phenotype. Both studies identified the skeletal remains as consisting of two animal and five human bones. Furthermore, both methods revealed that the concrete completely encased bones, suggesting a secondary burial.